Tonneau cover having securing mechanism

ABSTRACT

A tonneau cover apparatus for securing a flexible cover about a cargo box of a pickup truck. The apparatus comprises the cover and a support frame for attachment to the cargo box. The frame has two opposing side rails, each of which has a lock engaging surface. The support frame further includes a pair of securing plate engagement members, each of which is secured to one of the respective opposing side rails. The apparatus further comprises a flexible cover securing plate attached to the cover. The flexible cover securing plate includes a channel and least one locking member. Each locking member is secured within the channel and each respective locking member is engagable with the lock engaging surface of the respective side rail such that the flexible cover securing plate is prevented from disengaging with respect to the respective side rail when it is in a first position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/323,971, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/577,285, filed Oct. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,281,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/778,473,filed Jul. 16, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,582, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/045,857, filed Jan.28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,941, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/930,680, filed Aug. 14, 2001, nowabandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/225,109, filed Aug. 14, 2000, now expired; all of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to Tonneau Covers, particularly TonneauCovers including a flexible cover and an apparatus for attaching theflexible cover to a cargo box of a pick up truck; the apparatus includesa flexible cover securing plate and securing plate engagement memberscooperating to impart tension to the flexible cover when the flexiblecover securing plate pivots into or is positioned in a closed positionwith respect to the securing plate engagement members; and, preferably alocking member or members preventing unauthorized detachment of theflexible cover securing plate from the securing plate engagementmembers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Numerous protective covers for preventing rain, debris and wind fromdamaging or disrupting the contents of a pickup truck bed are currentlyavailable. Generally, the covers are made of some sort of fabric, oftencoated with a polymeric material, which is detachably fastenable to arigid frame so as to enclose and protect a given area. The coveringmaterials used are generally stretchable to the extent that once theyare in a position, they are pulled taut and then attached to the frameby numerous methods such as snaps, grommets, or hook-and-loop fastenersand stretcher bars.

The use of hook-and-loop type fasteners and stretcher bars to fasten acover to a frame structure forms the subject matter of U.S. Pat. Nos.5,076,338 ('338 patent) and 5,174,353 ('353 patent) issued to StevenSchmeichel et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

In the Schmeichel et al. patents, an edge portion of a covering fabricis attached to a generally L-shaped end plate or stretcher bar. The endplate is provided with a peak or crest, which pivotally contacts ends ofthe frame structure as the end plate is rotated into a fixed, stretchingposition. As the end plate rotates into the fixed, stretching position,an enlarged ridge of the end plate is either captured by a spring loadedlock element as depicted in a first embodiment, or engages and deflectsa biased pawl element as depicted in a second embodiment. After theenlarged ridge passes the lock or pawl element, the lock or pawl elementsprings back to its undeflected state thereby maintaining the end platein the fixed, stretching position. In order to move the end plate out ofthe fixed stretching position, the biasing force of the lock or the pawlelement must be overcome. In the first embodiment, this biasing forcemay be overcome by the movement of the enlarged ridge as the end plateis pivoted out of the fixed stretching position. In the secondembodiment, deflection of the pawl is best accomplished by manipulatinga release member which projects from a portion of a latching member, orby opening the tailgate and manually disengaging the pawl from theenlarged ridge.

Although the Schmeichel et al. patents teach a number of significantimprovements over the prior art, there are several limitations of theprior art, which are addressed and improved upon by the presentinvention.

One limitation of the first embodiment of the Schmeichel et al. patents,as depicted, is that the L-shaped lock member, by virtue of itsresilient nature, merely imparts a dynamic force, which tends tomaintain the end plate in the fixed stretching position. This force,however, can be overcome by the action of the enlarged ridge as it movespast the inclined portion of the L-shaped lock. Thus, the L-shaped lockdoes not function as a lock in a conventional sense.

A limitation of the second embodiment of the Schmeichel et al. patentsis in the location and construction of the lock element. As depicted,the lock element comprises a pawl element, which is attached to one endof an elongated leaf spring. The other end of the leaf spring isattached to a connector, which in turn is connected to a side rail ofthe support frame structure. While this embodiment functions to lock theend plate and support frame structure in the fixed stretching position,it would appear that absent support, the pawl element may be forciblydisengaged and/or damaged by forcible movement of the end plate out ofthe fixed, stretching position.

Another limitation of the second embodiment of the Schmeichel et al.patents is that the flexible cover securing plate may be disengaged fromthe lock member by a person with knowledge of the location of therelease member.

A limitation common to both the first and second embodiments of theSchmeichel et al. patents regards the attachment point and the design ofthe engagement member (or strike) which engages the flexible coversecuring plate. As depicted in the drawings the strike is attached tothe frame structure by a fastening element located a substantialdistance from the inclined portion of the strike. This allows the striketo be flexed or bent upwardly in reaction to the stress forces exertedon the strike when the flexible cover securing plate is pivoted into andout of the fixed stretching position. Repeated flexure and/or bendingmay result in loosening and/or premature failure of the strike.Additionally, the strike includes a relatively thin lip portion whichextends beyond the body of the strike and which rotatingly contacts theflexible cover securing plate as it is pivoted into and out of the fixedstretching position. This lip portion is subject to high amounts ofstress and is subject to flexure and/or bending which may lead topremature failure.

Another limitation common to both the first and second embodiments ofthe Schmeichel et al. patents is in the attachment of the support frameabout the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle. In Schmeichel et al.,a support frame is attached to an inner side-wall by a C-shaped clamp.The effectiveness of the clamp may, however, become compromised byovertightening the clamping bolt and may lead to deformation and/orfailure the body of the clamp. Additionally, due to the tapered verticalattachment portion of the frame support, there is a tendency for theclamp to become dislodged from the clamping position.

The present invention provides improvements which address these andother limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention generally relate to atonneau cover apparatus for attaching and locking a flexible cover abouta cargo box of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The tonneau coverapparatus comprises a flexible cover and a support frame for attachmentto the cargo box. The support frame has two opposing side rails, eachhaving a lock engaging surface. When in use, each opposing side rail issecured to respective opposing side walls of the cargo box. The supportframe further includes a pair of securing plate engagement members, eachof which can be secured to one of the respective opposing side rails.

The preferred tonneau cover apparatus further comprises a flexible coversecuring plate attached to the flexible cover. The flexible coversecuring plate has first and second ends and a channel extending fromthe first end to the second end. The flexible cover securing plate isengageable with the respective securing plate engagement members. Theflexible cover securing plate additionally includes at least one lockingmember that is slidably secured within the channel proximate one of theends of the flexible cover securing plate. The locking member ispreferably spring biased and there will preferably be one at each end ofthe securing plate. When the locking members are in the first position,each respective locking member is engaged with a lock engaging surfaceof the respective opposing side rail and the flexible cover securingplate is secured to each respective side rail. In the first position,the respective flexible cover securing plate is prevented from pivotingor disengaging with respect to the respective side rail. When thelocking members are in a second position, the flexible cover securingplate can pivot and disengage with respect to the respective side rail.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty whichcharacterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity inthe claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for abetter understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectsobtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which forma further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, inwhich there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially broken away perspective view of a preferredembodiment of a tonneau cover apparatus 8 of the present application,including a flexible cover 10 in accordance with the present invention,attached to a pickup truck 6 (shown in broken lines) with the cover 10being disposed in a covered or fixed stretching position;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred tonneau coverapparatus 8 shown in FIG. 1 (but separated from the pickup truck),illustrating the flexible cover securing plate and flexible cover afterthey have been rotated out of the covered or fixed stretching positionshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view which illustrates (1)the preferred apparatus in the fixed stretching position, shown in FIG.1, in which the flexible cover securing plate exerts a tensile force onthe flexible cover, and (2) (in phantom lines) the preferred apparatusas it is unlatched and rotated out of the fixed stretching position inwhich the flexible cover is relatively loose or relaxed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged simplified side view of a latch member 190 of thepreferred apparatus, when disengaged from the apparatus partial orcomplete views of the latch member, or parts thereof, shown in situ invarious;

FIG. 5 is a simplified fragmentary perspective view of a side rail 106of the preferred apparatus, partially shown in FIG. 3, with the latchmember attached;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member 60 of thepreferred apparatus, which illustrates the position of the lockingfinger and the location of the frictional elements;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the locking member60 as it is being inserted into a channel 38 in the flexible coversecuring plate 20 and illustrates the interaction between the channel 38and the frictional imparting element 74 and the guide strips 80 (notshown) and 82;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as seen generally alongline 8-8 of FIG. 3 which shows a portion of the preferred apparatus asit is attached to an inner wall 14 of a side wall 12 of a cargo box of apickup truck and which illustrates in phantom lines the locking memberas it moves into engagement with the side rail 106;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the latching memberillustrating the range of motion as the release member 196 is depressedfrom the position shown in phantom so that the flexible cover securingplate 20 (not shown) can be disengaged from the securing plateengagement member 170 (not shown) and showing the adjustability of thelatching member relative to the inwardly extending flange 118 of theside rail;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view from inside a cargo box of thepickup truck when the tailgate is in an open position (not shown), theview showing the preferred apparatus in the fixed stretching positionwith the latching member operatively engaging the flexible coversecuring plate, and the locking member disengaged from the inwardlyextending flange;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view showing an alternateembodiment of the invention, which is similar to the preferredembodiment, but has different flexible cover securing plate 420 whichengages in a somewhat different way with the securing plate engagementmember 440, wherein the flexible cover securing plate 420 is shown in anengaged position, but not in a fixed stretching position similar to thatshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the alternateembodiment of FIG. 11 which illustrates the alternate apparatus in afixed stretching position in which the flexible cover securing plate 420exerts a tensile force to a flexible cover 410, and which illustrates inphantom lines the apparatus as it is unlatched and rotated out of thefixed stretching position in which the flexible cover is relativelyrelaxed;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a further alternateembodiment of the present tonneau cover apparatus, showing only a verysmall portion of an alternate pickup truck 506 in phantom, and showingthe flexible cover securing plate 520 in a fixed stretching position;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the furtheralternate embodiment shown in FIG. 13, shown separate from the pickuptruck, but showing the flexible cover securing plate 520 pivoted out ofthe fixed stretching position such that the flexible cover 510 isrelatively loose or relaxed;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view of the further embodiment shownin FIG. 13 as generally seen from line 15-15 of FIG. 13 showing the siderail 606 clamped to the sidewall 512 of the pickup truck 506 and showingthe locking member 560 in a locking position where the finger portion568 of the locking member 560 is engaged with an inwardly extendingflange 618 of the side rail 606 to hold the flexible cover securingplate 520 in the fixed stretching position;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary section view similar to that shown in FIG. 8,but of a portion of yet another alternate embodiment which is the sameas the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8 except that there is nolatch member and the locking member 760, while it is similar to thelocking member 60 shown in FIG. 8, is shown in a disengaged positionwhere the locking member 760 is in contact with the inwardly extendingflange 818, furthermore, the locking member 760 does not have guidestrips or a friction imparting element as disclosed in association withlocking member 60 and locking member 760 slides easily within channel738 which is the same as channel 38 in flexible cover securing plate 20of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8; the locking member 760differing from locking member 60 also because it is secured within theflexible cover securing plate 720 with a tension spring 774 which biasesthe locking member 760 toward a position consistent with a latched orlocked position shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 17 is a further fragmentary sectional view of the alternateembodiment shown in FIG. 16 except the locking member 760 is shown in alocked or latched position where the finger portion 768 is fully engagedwith the inwardly extending flange 818 and abuts against stop bolt 819which prevents locking member 760 from being drawn in further by thetension spring 774; and

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to that shown in FIG.17, but of a further alternate embodiment the same as that shown in FIG.17 except that the locking member 960 is biased toward a positionconsistent with a locked or a latched position by a compression spring980 pushing the locking member 960 to such position rather thanoperating in the manner the tension spring 774 shown in FIG. 17, thatbiases the locking member 760 by pulling on it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and specifically FIGS. 1-10, there isillustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whereinreference numeral 6 designates a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck,reference numeral 8 designates a preferred tonneau cover apparatus andreference numeral 10 designates the flexible cover. FIG. 1 illustrates aflexible cover 10 in use on a cargo box 11 of a pickup truck 6 havingtwo outer sidewalls 12, each having an inner sidewall 14 (shown in FIG.8), a forward end 13 and a tailgate 16, preferably with a release handleand lock mechanism 18, actuated with a key (not shown) or,alternatively, a remotely actuated lock mechanism, having a remotekeyless actuator (not shown), like those which are now well known in theart. As depicted, the flexible cover 10 is covering a top of a perimeterof the cargo box 11 of the pickup truck 6. The flexible cover 10 issecured to a front plate 19 and an flexible cover securing_plate 20 eachof which are secured to support frame 104 that includes rails 106 whichare clamped to the respective sidewalls 12 of the pickup truck 6.

FIG. 2 shows the preferred tonneau cover apparatus 8, including theflexible, stretchable fabric cover 10, separated from the pickup truck.The rearward end of the flexible cover is attached to an elongatedflexible cover securing plate 20 having a plate cap 90 with an exteriorsurface 92. The other end of the flexible cover 10 is preferablyattached to the front plate 19 (shown in FIG. 1) in a manner similar tothat disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,407 to Schmeichel ('407 patent),the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Thefront plate 19 is preferably secured to the respective side rails 106 inan equivalent or similar manner that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,076,338, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference,or in other Schmeichel patents that are incorporated herein byreference. In preferred embodiments, the front plate 19 will be securedto the respective side rails 106 in the manner disclosed in the '407patent. The flexible cover 10 is preferably made of a resilient fabricmaterial, which is preferably laminated to a polyester sheet to give itstrength, flexibility, additional resilience, and water resistance.

The preferred tonneau cover apparatus 8 is secured to the sidewalls 12of the pickup truck 6 using clamps 130 (see FIGS. 3 and 8), which securethe respective side rails 106 to the inner wall 14, which is anextension of the sidewall 12. The front plate 19 is secured to therespective side rails 106 as described above and the flexible coversecuring plate 20 is engaged to a pair of securing plate engagementmembers 170 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). When the flexible cover securing plate20 is engaged it will initially occupy a position with respect to therespective engagement members 170 similar to that shown in phantom inFIG. 3. The distal end 32 of the flexible cover securing plate 20 isthen pushed downward and the peak or crest 26 of the proximate end 20will then pivot against the pivot point 176 of the respective engagementmember 170 such that the foot 30 of the flexible cover securing plate 20will push the pawl element 200 of the latch member 190 downward and outof its path, so that the flexible cover securing plate 20 can becomefully engaged within the respective engagement members 170 and the foot30 becomes fully engaged within the inclined portion 178 (see FIG. 5) ofthe engagement member 170, as shown in FIG. 3. In this position, theflexible cover securing plate 20 is in a closed or a fixed stretchingposition, where the flexible cover securing plate 20 preferably exerts atensile force upon the flexible cover 10 so that the flexible cover 10will stretch and remain taught over the cargo box 11.

When the flexible cover securing plate 20 is in the fixed stretchingposition, locking members 60 can be pushed into a closed or lockingposition to prevent the flexible cover securing plate 20 from beingdisengaged from the respective engagement members 170. The lockingmembers 60 slide, when pushed, within a second channel 38 in theflexible cover securing plate 20. Because locking members 60 aredesigned to create friction when moved within the second channel 38, ittakes some force to move the locking members 60 into a locking positionlike that shown in phantom in FIG. 8. This requirement for force toslide the locking members is designed to prevent the locking membersfrom accidentally sliding into such a position when they are meant to bedisengaged, and from sliding into an unlocked or disengaged positionsimilar to that shown in FIG. 8 when they are meant to be in the fullyengaged or locked position shown in phantom in FIG. 8.

When the flexible cover securing plate 20 is in the closed or fixedstretching position shown in FIG. 3, and it is desirable to open thetonneau cover apparatus 8 to gain access to the cargo box 11, thelocking members 60 must be moved to a position where they are notengaged with the inwardly extending flange 118 of the support structure104. The latch member 190 must then be depressed to a positionconsistent with that shown in phantom in FIG. 3 so that the pawl element200 is disengaged from the foot 30 of the flexible cover securing plate20 so that the foot can pivot out of the cavity proximate the inclinedportion 178 of the engagement member 170 without being impeded by thepawl element 200. This can be accomplished either by pushing downward onthe release member 196 or pulling downward on the grip element 236 withenough force to bend the latch member 190. In this way, the flexiblecover securing plate 20 is freed to pivot out of the fully engagedrelationship with the respective engagement members 170 and release thetension on the flexible cover and even roll the flexible cover up aroundthe flexible cover securing plate in a manner similar to that describedin the previously described and incorporated Schmeichel patents.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the flexible cover securing plate 20 isdisengaged from a pawl element 200 on a latching member 190 and alocking member 60 is disengaged from an inward extending flange 118 of aside rail 106 (shown in FIG. 8) prior to pivoting or rotating theflexible cover securing plate 20 about a securing plate engagementmember 170 and out of a fixed stretching position shown in FIG. 1.Although a generally rectangularly shaped flexible cover securing plate20 is depicted in the drawings, it is understood that the flexible coversecuring plate 20 may have other configurations without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, it is understood thatonly selected portions of the flexible cover securing plate 20 arenecessary to normal operation and that unnecessary portions may beomitted, if desired. In preferred embodiments the flexible coversecuring plate is made of an aluminum alloy material. Referring now alsoto FIG. 7, the flexible cover securing plate 20 has an underside 56, abase portion 24, an upper surface 33 and a trailing surface 34.

FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 8-10 also illustrate attachment of the flexible cover10 to the support frame 104. As depicted, the support frame 104preferably includes side rails 106 having a vertical attachment portion108 including a sidewall contacting surface 110, an inwardly extendingportion 114, and an inclined portion 116 onto which one half of a twopart, hook and loop type fastener 124 has been attached. The flexiblecover 10 has been provided with the other half of the two part, hook andloop type fastener 124 to enable the sides of the flexible cover 10 tobe removably attached to the inclined portion 116 of the side rail 106.One method by which an end of the flexible cover 10 is attached to aportion of the flexible cover securing plate 20 shown in FIG. 2 isdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,076,338 and 5,174,353, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated by reference. Note that in the embodiment shownin FIG. 2 the strap 86 is attached to a locking member 60 rather than aportion of the flexible cover securing plate itself. It will beappreciated that this strap might be just as effective if it wereattached directly to the flexible cover securing plate (not shown) inother embodiments and that it need not be attached to the lockingmembers 60. As shown in FIG. 12, which discloses an alternateembodiment, the flexible cover material can be secured in such a waythat additional material creates a flap 123 which covers the top of thetailgate 16 and provides a further seal or covering to limit the passageof dust and moisture into the cargo box 11.

FIGS. 3 and 10 illustrate the apparatus as it pivots or rotates positioninto and out of a fixed stretching position and when in the fixedstretching position. As best seen in phantom lines, flexible coversecuring plate 20 includes a distal end 32, which terminates in a firstchannel 36, which receives an end of the flexible cover 10. The flexiblecover securing plate 20 also includes a second channel 38, which issized to slidingly receive a locking member 60. The second channel 38 isgenerally T-shaped and includes opposing sidewalls 40, 42 an upper wall44 and opposing flanges 46, 48. The flexible cover securing plate orstretcher bar 20 also includes cavities 52, 54, which are sized toreceive plugs 94, 96 that extend from a plate cap 90. The plugs 94, 96are provided with ribs 98, 100 which allow the plate cap 90 to befrictionally attached to the flexible cover securing plate 20. When theflexible cover securing plate 20 is rotated or pivoted into a fixedstretching position, a peak or crest 26 of the flexible cover securingplate 20 contacts a pivot point 176 of a securing plate engagementmember, or strike 170. A ridge 28 on the base portion 24 of the flexiblecover securing plate 20 then sweeps across an upper surface 177 of anextension portion 174 of the securing plate engagement member 170.Referring now also to FIGS. 4-5 and 8-9, the ridge 28 then contacts anddeflects the pawl element 200 of the engagement portion 194 of alatching member 190. That is to say, the latching member 190 isdeflected from a first position where the flexible cover securing plateis prevented from being disengaged from the fixed stretching position toa second position, which permits the apparatus to be disengaged from thefixed stretching position. After the ridge 28 passes the pawl element200, two things occur. First, the base portion 24 is moved into a baseportion receiving area 180 in the securing plate engagement member 170,and second, the latching member 190 moves from the second position tothe first position wherein the pawl element 200 of the latching member190 is biased into a pawl receiving area 50 of the flexible coversecuring plate 20 where it confronts the foot 30 on the flexible coversecuring plate 20. The pawl element 200 may be disengaged from the foot30 and withdrawn from the pawl receiving area 50 by placing downwardpressure on the release member 196 or pulling downward on the gripelement 236, which is engaged with the latching member 190 through anopening 234.

Turning more specifically to FIG. 4, the latching member 190 has a bodyportion 192, an engagement portion 194, a release member 196 and anattachment portion 198. The engagement portion 194 includes a pawlelement 200 having a ridge engagement surface 202 and a foot engagementsurface 204. Adjacent the foot engagement surface 204 is a recess orrelief 206 which accommodates a fastening element 186 used to attach thesecuring plate engagement member or strike 170 to the support frame 104(see FIG. 3). Note that the angle “A” between the foot engagementsurface 204 and a top surface 207 of the recess 206 of the body portion192 is less than or equal to 90 degrees, preferably about 88 degrees toprevent the flexible cover securing plate 20 from being forced out ofthe fixed stretching position when lifting force is applied upwardlyupon the bottom of flexible cover securing plate 20 when it is in thefixed stretching position as shown in FIG. 3. The upper surface 212 ofthe latch member 190 is generally parallel with the top surface 207 ofthe recess 206, so the angle “A” will be the same as an angle (notshown) between the foot engagement surface 204 and the upper surface 212of the latch member 190. The latching member 190 includes a releasemember 196, which is preferably an upright member 208 with an enlargedhead 210. In operation, the release member 196 is manipulated by placingdownward pressure on the enlarged head 210 of the release member 196through the flexible cover 10 and is used to disengage the pawl element200 from the foot 30 of the flexible cover securing plate 20. Referringnow also to FIG. 9, an upwardly extending recess 214, having a throatportion 216, partially delineates or separates the attachment portion198 from the body portion 192. The attachment portion 198 is connectedto the body portion 192 by a thinned portion 218. The attachment portion198 includes a slot 226, which receives a fastener 220 and a threadedaperture 228, which receives an adjustment member or element 230. Theattachment portion 198 also includes a limiter or stop 232, whichcontrols the range of motion of the latching member 190 as it moves fromthe first position to the second position. Note that the upper and lowersurfaces 198 a, 198 b of the attachment portion 198, that are parallelto broken line 198 c (shown schematically in FIG. 4), reside at anangle, B, with respect to upper and lower surfaces 192 a, 192 b of thebody portion 192, respectively, when the latch member 190 is disengagedfrom the side rail 106. This angle “B” is about 1 to about 7, preferablyabout 4 degrees and ensures that the upper surface 212 of the latchingmember 190 biasingly contacts an inwardly extending flange 118 on a siderail 106 when the latching member 190 is attached thereto as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5. The latching member 190 is preferably manufactured from aglass filled nylon resin material.

FIG. 5 illustrates the juxtaposition between a side rail 106 a securingplate engagement member or strike 170 and a latching member 190. As canbe seen, the side rail 106 includes an inclined portion 116 and aninwardly extending flange 118 with an upper surface 120. The securingplate engagement member 170 generally includes a body portion 172 and anextension portion 174. More specifically, the body portion 172 includesa pivot point 176, an inclined portion 178 and a plate base portionreceiving area 180. The extension portion 174 is somewhat tapered andincludes an upper surface 177 and an aperture 188. Referring now also toFIG. 3, the securing plate engagement member 170 has a lower surface 184common to the body portion 172 and the extension portion 174. Alsoreferring to FIG. 3, the body portion 172 of the securing plateengagement member 170 includes an integrally attached fastening element186, a portion of which extends beyond the body portion 172 and throughan aperture 126 in the flange 118 and which is secured by anappropriately sized nut 127. Like the aforementioned latching element190, the securing plate engagement member 170 is formed so that thelower surface 184 is slightly concave. This allows the extension portion174 to biasingly contact the upper surface 120 of the flange 118 whenthe securing plate engagement member 170 is attached thereto. As withthe aforementioned latching member, the securing plate engagement member170 is preferably manufactured from a glass filled nylon resin material.

The bolt or fastening element 186 preferably has an axis “b” whichpasses through the center of the bolt 186. This axis “b” is preferablylocated a distance, “d₁”, from the pivot point 176, denoted by line “a”in FIG. 3, which is ¾ths of an inch in the most preferred embodimentshown in FIG. 3. In alternative embodiments, however, this distance,“d₁”, will be equal to or less than 2.0 inches, more preferably 1.5inches, even more preferably 1.0 inch. In a more preferred embodiment,this distance will be about 13/16ths of an inch.

FIG. 6 illustrates a locking member 60 in isolation prior to use. Thelocking member 60 generally comprises an upper portion 62, a lowerportion 64 and a web 66 therebetween. In particular, the upper portion62 includes a top surface 72 onto which a friction-imparting element 74has been affixed. The term friction-imparting element in the context ofthis invention is understood to mean a material, which is capable ofcausing friction between the locking member 60 and the flexible coversecuring plate 20 when the locking member is moved within the flexiblecover securing plate. The preferred friction imparting element 74 inthis instance is a loop portion of a hook and loop type fasteningelement. The upper portion 62 also includes opposing side surfaces 76,78 and corresponding opposite guide strips 80, 82. The term guide stripin the context of this invention is understood to mean a structure,which is preferably relatively rigid in comparison to thefriction-imparting element, although it need not be so. The preferredguide strip in this instance is composed of the same material as thelocking member. As illustrated, the upper portion 62 has the samegeneral cross-sectional T-shape as the channel 38 into which it isinserted. While a T-shape is illustrated, it is understood that thechannel 38 and upper portion 62 may be formed in other complimentaryconfigurations without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. When locking member 60 is first placed into the channel 38,the guide strips 80, 82 are generally shaved off a bit to fit thechannel. Once the resulting shavings 83 fall away, the locking member 60will be friction fit in the channel 38. This is important so that thelocking member will not inadvertently slide closed when it is intendedto be open or slide open when it is intended to be closed. Turning tothe lower portion 64, one end of the lower portion includes a finger 68,which extends beyond the body of the lower portion 64. The fingerportion 68 includes an engagement surface 70, which is configured toslidingly engage the flange 118 of a side rail 106 (see FIG. 8). Thelower portion 64 is also provided with a slot 84 through which a strap86 may be threaded, the strap 86 serving to position and align the baseportion 24 of the flexible cover securing plate 20 adjacent the securingplate engagement member or strike 170 prior to pivoting the flexiblecover securing plate into the fixed stretching position shown in FIGS. 1and 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates a locking member 60 as it is being installed into achannel 38 of flexible cover securing plate 20. As the locking member 60is inserted into the channel 38, the friction-imparting element 74 iscompressed and comes into sliding contact with the upper surface 44 ofthe channel 38 (see FIG. 3). At the same time, the guide strips 80, 82are engaged by sidewalls 40, 42 of channel 38 (see also FIG. 3). Thesidewalls 40, 42, being constructed of relatively harder material,modify the opposite guide strips as the locking member is inserted intothe channel 38. As depicted a portion 83 of the opposite guide stripsare planed away or shaved during assembly. Thus, the width of the upperportion 62 and attendant guide strips 80, 82 is then sized to frictionfit within the width of the channel 38. In especially cold weather, theresin material of the preferred locking member 60 and the aluminum alloyof the preferred flexible cover securing plate both contract, but thelocking member 60 will contract somewhat more than the flexible coversecuring plate 20. In especially hot weather, both the preferred lockingmember 60, made of resin material, and the preferred flexible coversecuring plate 20, made of aluminum alloy, will expand, but it isbelieved that the expansion of the aluminum alloy will be greater. Ineach case, therefore, in both especially cold temperatures and inespecially hot temperatures, the preferred locking member 60 and thepreferred flexible cover securing plate 20 will contract or expand atdifferent rates and this will cause some looseness of the slidinglocking member 60 within the flexible cover securing plate 20. The useof the friction-imparting element 74 is intended to compensate for thisvariation and to prevent the locking member 60 from sliding into alocked position when it has been placed, and is intended to remain in,an open position.

In the preferred embodiment, the friction imparting element 74 and theguide strips 80, 82, are all in sliding contact with the walls 40, 42,44, respectively, while the remaining surfaces of the upper portion 66are in sliding contact with flanges 46, 48 of the second channel 38.These sliding contacts combine to provide a relatively constantresistive force over a wide range of temperatures as the locking elementis manipulated along the channel. While the preferred embodimentfeatures one friction imparting element and a plurality of guide stripselements, it is understood that other combinations may be used. As withthe aforementioned latching member and securing plate engagement member,the locking member 60 is preferably manufactured from a glass fillednylon resin material. As with the aforementioned latching member andsecuring plate engagement member, the locking member 60 is preferablymanufactured from a glass filled nylon resin material.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the apparatus attached to an innersidewall 14 of the pickup truck. More specifically, a side rail 106 ofthe support frame is attached to the inner sidewall 14 preferably by aplurality of clamps 130. The clamp 130 has a first arm 132 and a secondarm 150. As illustrated, the first arm 132 and the second arm 150 engageeach other at contact surfaces 139 and 157, respectively. The contactsurfaces 139 and 157 serve several different functions. First, thecontact surfaces 139 and 157 provide a point about which the arms 132and 150 may pivot with respect to each other. And second, the contactsurfaces 139 and 157 serve to align and guide the arms 132 and 150 sothat they are brought into confronting relation with each other when theclamp 130 is tightened. The first arm 132 includes a proximal end 134, atransition portion 136 and a distal end 138. The proximal end 134includes the contact surface 139 having a recess 140, which isconfigured to receive and rotatingly support a pivot or projection 158on the second arm 150. The preferred configuration of the recess 140 isgenerally oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the arm 132.The proximal end 134 also includes a transversely aligned cavity 144,which is coaxially aligned with an aperture 166 in a nut 167. The cavity144 is sized to securely retain the nut 167 of a fastening element 169,which includes nut 167 and bolt 164. The cavity 144 is sized to looselyreceive the shaft of a bolt 164 of the fastening element 169. Althoughthe aperture 166 is sized to fit the bolt 164, the cavity is much largerwhich allows the clamp to fall open easily at the end nearest the distalend 138 and distal non-parallel side joint between two surfaces similarto that shown in FIG. 8. The distal end 138 of the first arm 132includes a sidewall-contacting portion 146, which is preferably providedwith a grip element 148. The grip element 148 has an irregular shapedsurface and may be suitably affixed to the sidewall-contacting portion146. The preferred grip element 148 has an irregular surface similar tocourse sandpaper and the preferred method of affixing is by using anadhesive. The second arm 150 includes a proximal end 152, a transitionportion 154 and a distal end 156. As mentioned above, the proximal endincludes a contact surface 157 having a pivot or projection 158, whichis configured to be rotatingly supported within a recess 140 in theproximal end 134 of the first arm 132. As with the recess 140, thepreferred configuration of the projection is generally orientedorthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the arm 150. The proximal end152 of the second arm also includes a transversely aligned cavity 145,which is sized to loosely receive the shaft of a bolt 164 of thefastening element 169. The distal end 156 includes a siderail-contacting portion 162. As depicted, the side rail contactingportion 162 is configured to mesh with a similarly configured surface ona vertical attachment portion 108 of a side rail 106. Since theoversized cavities 144,145 of the respective first and second arms 132,150 allow the respective arms to pivot within the joint created by theinsertion of the pivot 158 into the pivot receiving recess 140, therespective side rail and sidewall contact portions 146, 162,respectively, can pass through a range of non-parallel orientations withrespect to one another especially enabling the clamp 130 to forciblyhold together a pair of relatively flat objects whose opposite surfaceswhen joined together present non parallel surfaces.

In operation, to secure a side rail 106 to an inner wall 14 of a truck,a side rail 106 is brought into contact with an inner sidewall 14 of atruck 6. A clamp 130 is then positioned so that it straddles the innersidewall 14 and the side rail 106. With the recess 140 and theprojection 158 of the respective contact surfaces 139 and 157 incommunication with each other, the fastening element is then snugged upso that the distal ends 138 and 156 contact the sidewall 14 and siderail 106, respectively. The fastening element is then manipulated togradually increase the clamping force. As the force is increased severalthings occur. First, the arms 132 and 150 are aligned and guided by thecooperative interaction of the contact surfaces 139 and 157. Second,limiter surfaces 142 and 160 on the first and second arms 132, 150,respectively, converge towards each other, and third, the arms 132, 150flex slightly, at the transition portions 136, 154, respectively, wherethey have some give due to the materials used to make them and thedesign of respective first and second arms 132, 150 which include thenarrower transition portions 136, 154, respectively. When the limitersurfaces 142 and 160 contact each other, attachment of the side rail 106to an inner sidewall 14 is essentially completed. This is because theclamp may not be easily over tightened. With this preferred embodiment,not only is the possibility of overtightening substantially reduced, butthe clamp 130 provides a relatively constant clamping force, whichcompensates for differences in thickness of the material to be clampedtogether and also differences in attachment points.

FIG. 8 also illustrates the operation of the locking member 60 as it maybe manipulated between a first position (shown in phantom lines) whereit operatively connects flexible cover securing plate 20 to a side rail106 of a support frame 104 and a second position where the lockingmember 60 is disengaged from the side rail 106 of the support frame 104.Note in the first position, that engagement surface 70 of the fingerportion 68 engages the lower surface 122 of the side rail flange 118.

FIG. 9 illustrates in broken line a position of the latching member 190at the point where either the release member 196 has been manipulated byplacing a downward force upon it, or by pulling downward on the bodyportion 192 or the chord 236 secured to the far end of body portion 192and the pawl element 200 (see FIG. 4) has been disengaged from the pawlelement receiving area 50 of the flexible cover securing plate 20 (seeFIG. 3). That is, the latching member 190 has been moved to the secondposition. Note that the throat portion 216 has been effectively closedand the body portion 192 is in contact with the limiter 232. As therelease member 196 is manipulated, it is contained within or encircledby an appropriately over-sized opening 128 in the inwardly extendingflange 118 of a side rail 106. The latching member 190 is attached tothe flange 118 by a fastening element 219, such as a bolt 220 andattendant washer 222 and nut 224. The bolt 220 is inserted through anappropriately sized aperture 126 and through the latching member 190,after which it is secured with a washer 222 and nut 224. The latchingmember 190 may be adjusted relative to the flange 118 and bolt 220 bythe provision of a somewhat oversized slot 226, which slidingly admitsthe shaft of a bolt 220 of the fastening element 219. Positioning of theshaft of the bolt 220 within the slot 226 may be achieved bymanipulating an adjustment bolt 230, which is threadably received in athreaded aperture 228 within the attachment portion 198 of the latchmember 190.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 10, a flexible cover securing plate20 is shown in the fixed stretching position in which the pawl element200 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) of the latching member 190 projects through theflange 118 of a side rail 106 and into the pawl receiving area 50 of theflexible cover securing plate 20. The locking member 60 has beenmanipulated or moved to the second position so that it lies inboard ofthe flange 118. In this position, the finger 68 does not operativelyconnect the flexible cover securing plate 20 to the support frame. Notethat the strap 86 has one end, which is attached to the locking member60, and another end which is attached to a mid bar or bow 250. Such anarrangement serves to guide the peak/crest 26 of the flexible coversecuring plate 20 into operative contact with the pivot point 176 of thesecuring plate engagement member 170 prior to rotating the flexiblecover securing plate 20 into the fixed stretching position.

Referring now also to FIGS. 11 and 12, a further embodiment of thetonneau cover apparatus 408 is depicted. A flexible cover 410 is shownattached to a flexible cover securing plate 420 having a side panel 430.This embodiment differs from the preferred embodiment in that theflexible cover securing plate 420 is provided with generally radiallyshaped base portion 422 and the securing plate engagement member 440 isprovided with a reciprocally shaped base portion receiving area 442 sothat the base portion 422 can slidably pivot within the base portionreceiving area 442 when fully engaged therewith as shown in FIG. 11,such that the flexible cover securing plate 420 can be lifted away fromthe fixed stretching position, shown in FIG. 12, and the base portion422 has pivoted within the receiving area 442, slightly away from thefixed stretching position. As shown in phantom in FIG. 12, when the baseportion 422 is pivoted further, it will come away from the base portionreceiving area 442, but not before it has slidingly pivoted somewhatwithin the receiving area 442.

In this embodiment, the reciprocating radial base portion 422 and baseportion receiving area 442 of the securing plate engagement member 440compliment each other so that the base portion 422 can pivot smoothlywithin the engagement member 440 through a limited but significantradius. When the base portion 422 has pivoted far enough that a catchpoint 424 of the flexible cover securing plate 420 engages a pivot point444 of the engagement member 440, a notch or dip 426 between the catchpoint 424 and the arcuate surface 428 of the base portion 422 willrotate or slide over the rounded surface 446 of the pivot point 444,enabling the base portion 422 to disengage from the base portionreceiving area 442 of the securing plate engagement member 440.

The alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 also includes alocking member 560 that engages an inward extending flange 618 of a siderail 606 in a manner similar to that disclosed in the preferredembodiment, except that the locking member 560 is configured differentlyand the finger portion 568 is configured somewhat differently. Inaddition the locking member 560 is secured within a channel 538 bysecuring a bolt 539 to the locking member 560 with a nut 541. The bolt539 slides easily within the channel 538 to engage the inwardlyextending flange 618 of the side rail 606. In preferred embodiments, theflexible cover securing plate 520 will have a pair of radial baseportions 522 proximate the respective ends of the flexible coversecuring plate 520 which are configured to reciprocally engage a pair ofengagement members 670 secured to each of a pair of side rails 606attached to respective sidewalls (not shown) of the pickup truck 506.The other features of this alternate invention are similar to or theequivalent to those features of the preferred embodiment disclosed inFIGS. 1-10. The further alternate embodiment of the invention includes atonneau cover apparatus 508 having a support frame 604, which can besecured to a side wall (not shown) of a pick-up truck (not shown) usinga clamp 630 secured at least in part with a bolt 664. A flexible cover510 is shown, which is secured to the flexible cover securing plate 520within a channel 536, shown in FIG. 13.

The alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 also includes alocking member 560 that engages an inward extending flange 618 of a siderail 606 in a manner similar to that disclosed in the preferredembodiment, except that the locking member 560 is configured differentlyand the finger portion 568 is configured somewhat differently. Inaddition the locking member 560 is secured within a channel 538 bysecuring a bolt 539 to the locking member 560 with a nut 541. The bolt539 slides easily within the channel 538 to engage the inwardlyextending flange 618 of the side rail 606. In preferred embodiments, theflexible cover securing plate 520 will have a pair of radial baseportions 522 proximate the respective ends of the flexible coversecuring plate 520 which are configured to reciprocally engage a pair ofengagement members 670 secured to each of a pair of side rails 606attached to respective sidewalls (not shown) of the pickup truck 506.The other features of this alternate inventions are similar to or theequivalent to those features of the preferred embodiment disclosed inFIGS. 1-10.

Referring now also to FIGS. 16 and 17, yet another alternate embodimentof the present invention is disclosed in which the alternate embodimentdiffers from the preferred embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-10, byproviding an alternate locking member 760 which slides easily within achannel 738 similar to the second channel 38 of the preferredembodiment. The alternate embodiment includes a support frame 804 and aside rail 806 like those associated with the previously disclosedembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10. In the alternate embodiment shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, the locking member 760 does not include the frictionimparting elements or guide strips of the preferred embodiment. Instead,the alternate flexible cover securing plate 720 includes a tensionspring 774 secured at each end of the elongated flexible cover securingplate 720 to bias each of two locking members toward a positionconsistent with a closed or locked position similar to that shown inFIG. 17. The tension springs 774 are secured to the respective interiorsurfaces (not shown) of respective end caps 790 at each of the ends 793of the alternate flexible cover securing plate 720 and to the respectivelocking members 760, thereby biasing each of the locking members 760toward a pair of stop bolts 819 secured to the flexible cover securingplate 720 proximate each of the respective ends 793 of the flexiblecover securing plate 720. A draw cord or cable 765 is also attached toeach of the respective locking members. Each of the respective drawcords are preferably passed through an eyebolt guide 767 and gatheredtogether in a guide actuator 769.

During use, the alternate flexible cover securing plate 720 provides alocking or latch mechanism because the chamfered or beveled bottomsurface 781 of each of the finger portions 768 of each locking member760 will be displaced when the endplate 720 pivots with respect to theengagement members (not shown) into a closed or fixed stretchingposition from a position in which the flexible cover securing plate 720is engaged with the respective engagement members (not shown), but hasnot pivoted into the position shown in FIG. 17. In FIG. 16, the lockingmembers 760 are just beginning to be displaced as the flexible coversecuring plate 720 pivots down to a closed position shown in FIG. 17.When the locking members 760 rest against the stop bolts 819, againstwhich they are biased by the tension spring 774, they will engage theflange 818 if the flexible cover securing plate 720 is in the closed orfixed stretching position. As the flexible cover securing plate 720 ispivoted with respect to the engagement members (not shown), the beveledbottom surface 781 will first contact the upper side of the end 821 ofthe respective inwardly extending flange 818, will be forced away fromthe stop bolt 819 until the finger portion 768 passes below the flange818 and flexible cover securing plate 720 is fully engaged as shown inFIG. 17. In FIG. 17, the beveled bottom surface 781 is no longer engagedwith the upper side of the end 821 of the inwardly extending flange 818,and the spring biased locking member will engage the flange 818 as shownin FIG. 17. When the flexible cover securing plate 720 is not engaged asshown in FIG. 17 the spring biased locking member 720 will slide to thesame position shown in FIG. 17, because it will spring biased againstthe stop bolt 819 which is positioned within the flexible cover securingplate 720 such that the locking member 760 will stop against the stopbolt 819 is the same position it will occupy within the flexible coversecuring plate 720 when the locking member 760 is biased up against theend 821 of the flange 818.

In order to lift the flexible cover securing plate 720 and pivot it outof the fixed stretching position in which it resides in FIG. 17, a usercan draw the draw cords or cables 765 by pulling on the pull actuator769, thereby drawing the locking members 760 away from each of therespective flanges 818, thereby disengaging the respective fingerportions 768 from the respective flanges 818 as shown in phantom in FIG.17 when the locking members 760 are in this position, the flexible coversecuring plate 720 can be pivoted out of the respective engagementmembers, and the cover 710 can be rolled up in order to gain betteraccess to the cargo box.

Yet another alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 18 where an embodimentlike that shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is shown, but which differs primarilyonly because the tension springs 774 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16and 17 are replaced by compression springs 974 which push, rather thanpull the locking member 960 or members, if there are more than one,which there preferably are, against the flange 1018 and/or the stop bolt1019. In this case, the compression spring 974 slides over and isengaged by a first spring guide protrusion 977 extending away from thelocking member 960 and a second spring guide protrusion 979 extendingaway from a spring stop 983. All the other features of this embodimentare preferably the same as the features of the alternate embodimentshown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and this embodiment operates generally in thesame way with the exception of the operation of the compression spring974 as compared to the tension spring 774. The embodiment shown in FIG.18 includes a support frame 1004 having a side rail 1006. The flexiblecover securing plate 920 is shown in an engaged position. The flexiblecover 910 is engaged with the support frame 1004 and the finger 968 ofthe locking member 960, configured to slidingly engage an outwardlyextending flange 1018 of the support frame 1004, is shown in an engageposition, similar to that shown in FIG. 17 with respect to the priorembodiment, wherein the finger 968 can be slidingly positioned under anend 1021 of the outwardly extending flange 1018, as shown.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrativeonly, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape,size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention tothe full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms inwhich the appended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tonneau cover apparatus for removableattachment about a top of a perimeter of a cargo box of a vehicle, theperimeter of the cargo box including a forward end and two opposingsidewalls, the tonneau cover apparatus comprising: a flexible coverincluding a sheet of coated fabric material, the flexible cover havingfirst and second ends; a support frame for attachment to the cargo box,the support frame having two opposing side rails and a pair of securingplate engagement members, each of which is secured to one of therespective opposing side rails in a position rearward of the forward endwhen the tonneau cover apparatus is attached to the cargo box; aflexible cover securing plate attached to one end of the flexible cover;the flexible cover securing plate configured to cooperatively engage andpivot with respect to each of the respective securing plate engagementmembers at first and second engagement positions; wherein the securingplate engagement members cooperate to engage the flexible cover securingplate when the first end of the flexible cover is operatively connectedto the support frame forward of the respective securing plate engagementmembers, such that the flexible cover securing plate can pivot into andout of a fixed stretching position, at the respective first and secondengagement positions, wherein the flexible cover is stretched so as toplace a tension on the flexible cover; a locking member, the lockingmember being secured to the flexible cover securing plate and movablebetween a first position and a second position when the flexible coversecuring plate is in the fixed stretching position; and an elongatedmember selected from the group consisting of a cable and draw cord; theelongated member connected to the locking member; wherein the lockingmember prevents the flexible cover securing plate from being disengagedfrom the fixed stretching position when the locking member is in thefirst position in which an extension of the locking member engages theside rail adjacent to the flexible cover securing plate to prevent suchmovement, and wherein the flexible cover securing plate can bedisengaged from the fixed stretching position when the locking member isin the second position.
 2. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 1,wherein the flexible cover securing plate includes a channel, whereinthe locking member is secured within the channel.
 3. The tonneau coverapparatus of claim 2, wherein the flexible cover securing plate hasfirst and second ends, wherein the channel extends from the first end ofthe flexible cover securing plate to the second end of the flexiblecover securing plate.
 4. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe locking member is spring biased in the first position.
 5. A tonneaucover apparatus for removable attachment about a top of a perimeter of acargo box of a vehicle, the perimeter of the cargo box including aforward end and two opposing sidewalls, the tonneau cover apparatuscomprising: a flexible cover, the flexible cover having first and secondends; the flexible cover also having a first fastener; a support framefor attachment to the cargo box; the support frame having two opposingside rails and a pair of securing plate engagement members, each ofwhich is secured to one of the respective opposing side rails in aposition rearward of the forward end when the tonneau cover apparatus isattached to the cargo box; the side rails further including a secondfastener corresponding to the first fastener; a flexible cover securingplate attached to the second end of the flexible cover, the flexiblecover securing plate configured to cooperatively engage the respectivesecuring plate engagement members when the flexible cover is drawn overthe top of the perimeter of the cargo box; two locking members, eachlocking member being secured to the flexible cover securing plate; andan elongated member selected from the group consisting of a cable anddraw cord; the elongated member interconnected to each of the twolocking members; wherein the elongated member can be used to draw eachof the locking members from a first position to a second position whenthe flexible cover securing plate is in the closed position; wherein thesecuring plate engagement members cooperate to engage the flexible coversecuring plate in a full engagement position when the first end of theflexible cover is operatively connected to the support frame forward ofthe respective securing plate engagement members, and the flexible coversecuring plate is in a closed position, wherein the flexible cover isstretched so as to place a tension on the flexible cover; and whereinthe locking members prevent the flexible cover securing plate from beingdisengaged from the closed position when the locking members are in thefirst position in which an extension of each of the respective lockingmembers engages one of the respective side rails adjacent to theflexible cover securing plate to prevent such movement, and wherein theflexible cover securing plate can be disengaged from the closed positionwhen each of the respective locking members are in the second position.6. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking membersare located on an underside of the flexible cover securing plate.
 7. Thetonneau cover apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first fastener and thesecond fastener are selected from the group consisting of hook fastenerand loop fastener.
 8. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 5, whereineach of the respective locking members are spring biased toward thefirst position.
 9. A tonneau cover apparatus for removable attachmentabout a top of a perimeter of a cargo box of a vehicle, the perimeter ofthe cargo box including a forward end and two opposing sidewalls, thetonneau cover apparatus comprising: a flexible cover, the flexible coverhaving first and second ends; two opposing side rails, each side railincluding a flexible cover securing plate engagement member in aposition rearward of the forward end when the tonneau cover apparatus isattached to the cargo box; and a flexible cover securing plate attachedto the second end of the flexible cover, the flexible cover securingplate configured to cooperatively engage the respective securing plateengagement members; wherein each of the respective securing plateengagement members include a surface for engagement with the flexiblecover securing plate that faces rearward of the forward end, when theside rails are attached about the top of the perimeter of the cargo box,that is accessible to engagement by the flexible cover securing platefrom a position rearward of such surface so that the respective securingplate engagement members can engage respective ends of the flexiblecover securing plate when the first end of the flexible cover isoperatively connected to the side rails forward of the respectivesecuring plate engagement members; wherein the flexible cover securingplate further includes a spring-biased locking member on an underside ofthe flexible cover securing plate, the locking member being movablebetween a first position and a second position; wherein the lockingmember can prevent the flexible cover securing plate from beingdisengaged from the securing plate engagement members when the lockingmember is in the first position and wherein the flexible cover securingplate can be disengaged from the respective plate engagement memberswhen the locking member is in the second position; and an elongatedmember selected from the group consisting of a cable and draw cord; theelongated member connected to the locking member such that the elongatedmember can draw the locking member from the first position to the secondposition.
 10. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein theflexible cover securing plate has two locking members each of which isspring-biased toward the first position.
 11. The tonneau cover apparatusof claim 9, wherein the flexible cover securing plate includes achannel; wherein the locking member is slidably secured within thechannel.
 12. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lockingmember is spring biased toward the first position with a spring.
 13. Thetonneau cover apparatus of claim 12, wherein the spring is selected froma compression spring and a tension spring.
 14. A tonneau cover apparatusfor removable attachment about a top of a perimeter of a cargo box of avehicle, the perimeter of the cargo box including a forward end and twoopposing sidewalls, the tonneau cover apparatus comprising: a flexiblecover including a sheet of coated fabric material, the flexible coverhaving a first fastener; a support frame for attachment to the cargobox, the support frame having two opposing side rails, each of which canbe secured to one of the respective opposing side walls and each ofwhich have a second fastener that corresponds to the first fastener; anda flexible cover securing plate having first and second ends, theflexible cover securing plate being attached to the flexible cover, theflexible cover securing plate being engageable with the respective siderails to secure the flexible cover to the support frame; wherein theflexible cover securing plate includes a locking member and a channelproximate one of the respective ends, the locking member being slidablysecured within the channel; and an elongated member selected from thegroup consisting of a cable and draw cord; the elongated memberconnected to the locking member; wherein the flexible cover securingplate is prevented from disengaging from the respective side rail whenthe locking member is in a first position and the flexible coversecuring plate is secured to at least one of the respective side rails;wherein the locking member is biased toward the first position; andwherein the flexible cover securing plate can disengage from therespective side rails when the locking member is in a second position.15. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 14, wherein each side railincludes a securing plate engagement member and the flexible coversecuring plate is configured to cooperatively engage and pivot withrespect to each of the respective securing plate engagement members atfirst and second engagement positions.
 16. The tonneau cover apparatusof claim 14, wherein the flexible cover securing plate includes twolocking members, each locking member being slidably secured within thechannel.
 17. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 14, wherein thelocking member has a finger portion with a tapered shape.
 18. Thetonneau cover of claim 14, wherein the flexible cover securing plate hasa channel proximate each end and two locking members, each of which isslidably secured within such channel at an end opposite the end wherethe other locking member is secured.
 19. The tonneau cover of claim 18,wherein each of the locking members are spring-biased toward the firstposition.
 20. A tonneau cover apparatus for removable attachment about atop of a perimeter of a cargo box of a vehicle, the perimeter of thecargo box including a forward end and two opposing sidewalls, thetonneau cover apparatus comprising: a flexible cover having first andsecond ends; a support frame for attachment to the cargo box, thesupport frame having two opposing side rails, each of which can besecured to one of the respective opposing side walls; and a flexiblecover securing plate having first and second ends and an underside, theflexible cover securing plate being attached to the flexible cover,wherein the flexible cover securing plate includes a channel proximatethe underside that extends from the first end to the second end, theflexible cover securing plate being engageable with the respective siderails to secure the flexible cover to the support frame; wherein theflexible cover securing plate includes at least one locking member andthe at least one locking member is slidably secured within the channelproximate one of the ends of the flexible cover securing plate; whereinthe flexible cover securing plate further includes an elongated memberselected from the group consisting of a cable and draw cord; theelongated member connected to the at least one locking member; whereinthe at least one locking member is engaged with the respective opposingside rail and the flexible cover securing plate is prevented fromdisengaging from the respective side rail, when the at least one lockingmember is in a first position and the flexible cover securing plate issecured to each of the respective side rails; wherein the at least onelocking member is biased toward the first position with a spring; andwherein the flexible cover securing plate can disengage from therespective side rail with which the at least one locking member isengaged when the locking member is drawn from the first position to asecond position by the elongated member.
 21. The tonneau cover apparatusof claim 20, wherein the flexible cover securing plate includes twolocking members, both of which are connected to the elongated member.22. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 21, wherein the elongatedmember interconnects the two locking members.
 23. The tonneau coverapparatus of claim 20, wherein the support frame further includes a pairof securing plate engagement members, each of which is secured to one ofthe respective side rails in a position rearward of the forward end whenthe tonneau cover apparatus is attached to the cargo box.
 24. Thetonneau cover apparatus of claim 20, wherein the channel extends fromthe first end of the flexible cover securing plate to the second end ofthe flexible cover securing plate.
 25. A tonneau cover apparatus forremovable attachment about a top of a perimeter of a cargo box of avehicle, the tonneau cover apparatus comprising: a flexible cover; asupport frame for attachment to the cargo box, the support frame havingtwo opposing side rails, each of which can be secured to one of therespective opposing side walls; and a flexible cover securing platehaving first and second ends, the flexible cover securing plate beingattached to the flexible cover, the flexible cover securing plate beingengageable with the respective side rails to secure the flexible coverto the support frame; wherein the flexible cover securing plate includestwo locking members interconnected by a cable; wherein the flexiblecover securing plate is prevented from disengaging from the respectiveside rail, when the locking members are in a first position and theflexible cover securing plate is secured to each of the respective siderails; wherein the locking members are biased toward the first position;and wherein the flexible cover securing plate can disengage from therespective side rails when the cable is pulled such that the lockingmembers move into in a second position.
 26. The tonneau cover apparatusof claim 25, wherein the locking member s are biased toward the firstposition with a spring selected from the group consisting of a tensionspring and a compression spring.
 27. The tonneau cover apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the flexible cover securing plate includes a channelproximate each end; wherein each locking member is slidably securedwithin one respective channel.
 28. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim25, wherein the locking member has a finger portion with a taperedshape.
 29. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 25, wherein each siderail has an engaging surface and the engaging surface is constructed andarranged so that a portion of the locking member can be positioned belowthe respective engaging surface when the lock member is engaged with theside rail and in the first position.
 30. A tonneau cover apparatus forremovable attachment about a top of a perimeter of a cargo box of avehicle, the tonneau cover apparatus comprising: a flexible cover; asupport frame for attachment to the cargo box, the support frame havingtwo opposing side rails, each of which can be secured to one of therespective opposing side walls; and a flexible cover securing platehaving first and second ends, the flexible cover securing plate beingattached to the flexible cover, the flexible cover securing plate beingengageable with the respective side rails to secure the flexible coverto the support frame; wherein the flexible cover securing plate includesa locking member slidably secured within a channel proximate one of therespective ends; wherein the flexible cover securing plate is preventedfrom disengaging from the respective side rail, when the locking memberis in a first position and the flexible cover securing plate is securedto each of the respective side rails; wherein the locking member isbiased toward the first position; and wherein the flexible coversecuring plate can disengage from the respective side rails when thelocking member is in a second position.
 31. The tonneau cover apparatusof claim 30, wherein the locking member is biased toward the firstposition with a spring selected from the group consisting of a tensionspring and a compression spring.
 32. The tonneau cover apparatus ofclaim 30, wherein the flexible cover securing plate can be disengagedfrom the opposing side rails when the locking member is in the secondposition.
 33. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim 30, furthercomprising a cable connected to the locking member; wherein the cablecan move the locking member out of the first position.
 34. The tonneaucover apparatus of claim 30, wherein the locking member has a fingerportion with a tapered shape.
 35. The tonneau cover apparatus of claim30, wherein each side rail has an engaging surface and the engagingsurface is constructed and arranged so that a portion of the lockingmember can be positioned below the respective engaging surface when thelock member is engaged with the side rail and in the first position.